KAMPALA — Technology experts have warned that limited internet access, inadequate digital infrastructure and low digital literacy are slowing Uganda's digital transformation and undermining efforts to achieve inclusive economic growth.
The concerns were raised on Monday during Internet Governance Week at the National ICT and Innovation Hub, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the country's digital challenges and strategies to strengthen internet governance.
Uganda Internet Governance Forum Convener Lillian Nalwoga identified low internet penetration, inadequate digital infrastructure, limited digital literacy, particularly among rural communities and older persons, rising cybersecurity threats and inconsistent enforcement of digital regulations as Uganda's most pressing digital challenges.
"Low internet penetration, limited digital literacy particularly among rural communities and the elderly, slow and uneven adoption of e-government initiatives, rising cybersecurity concerns, inconsistent regulatory enforcement and clarity, and inadequate digital infrastructure remain the country's major challenges," Nalwoga said.
She noted that these challenges continue to constrain Uganda's ability to leverage technology to drive economic transformation, improve public service delivery and empower citizens.
Stakeholders observed that unreliable internet connectivity and fragmented digital systems continue to hamper businesses and government institutions, while rural communities and older people remain disproportionately excluded from the benefits of the digital economy.
They called for increased investment in digital infrastructure to expand affordable and reliable internet access, alongside targeted digital literacy programmes for underserved communities.
The experts also advocated stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development, foster innovation and equip more Ugandans with digital skills needed for the evolving economy.
In addition, they urged Uganda to play a more active role in global digital policy discussions and ensure consistent implementation of digital regulations to create a predictable environment that attracts investment and supports innovation.
The stakeholders said closer collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners and civil society will be critical to building a resilient, secure and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of driving broad-based economic and social development.
